WESTHOUGHTON and Farnworth Social Circle will both be looking to eradicate the memory of Hamer Cup final defeat when they meet in this year’s showpiece tomorrow.

The Bolton League Premier Division teams clash at Atherton Cricket Club when Social Circle will be looking to lift the 87-year-old trophy for the first time in 29 years.

That 1988 success was the only time they had ever been in the final until last year when they lost to Walkden.

Westhoughton lost the final 12 months earlier and will again be captained by Rob Houghton who skippered the side in that defeat to Greenmount and says the feeling of disappointment will still be fairly fresh in both teams’ minds.

“It’s a massive trophy in local cricket and one everyone wants to win,” he said. “I really want to win it because I captained the side in the losing final and I don’t want to captain in another.

“But I’m sure Tim [Barrow, Social Circle’s captain] will be sitting there and saying exactly the same thing, that he played in last year’s losing final and doesn’t want to feel like that again.”

Westhoughton are third in the league with Social Circle a point behind in fourth, and Houghton believes the final could be decided by one performance.

“Both have individuals who can win a game on their own and it may well come down to one of those individuals having a very good game.

“It’s set up for a good game of cricket and the best of luck to Atherton, they deserve to stage a final and I’m sure they’ll put on a good show.

“A lot of hard work goes into putting on a final, as we know at Westhoughton, so the best of luck to Atherton on the day. I hope the weather stays fine and there’s a big turnout and a good game.”